By: Aaron Joseph. I am perturbed by the reaction to the Internet Asifa in Eretz Yisroel for American Bochurim. I am disturbed as well that there are those who believe it is a necessity. I would like to share a few thoughts regarding the reactions the announcement has engendered.

Eretz Yisroel, a place of longing for Klal Yisroel throughout time. To spend time studying there in holiness and purity is a lofty ideal, and a goal, for so many young Bnei Torah. For the overwhelming multitude, these ideals and goals are met, and young Bochurim return after a few Zmanim as accomplished, mature Torah scholars, ready for marriage and the accompanying responsibilities.

Is learning unsupervised in Eretz Yisroel for every Bochur? No. Are some Bochurim sent into such an environment unprepared and “unready” anyways? Yes. Is such a scenario unique to studying in Israel? You decide.

Like in every society in Golus, there are upsides and downsides in every environment. Be it a Yeshiva K’tana, a high school, Mesivta, Bais Medrash, seminary, summer camp and so on. There are those who are nurtured and shine in an ideal environment well suited to them, using out the full spectrum of nourishment that can be gleaned to the utmost of one’s potential. Call them the highly motivated if you wish. Then there are those who are less successful. There is of course the Baynonim- the ones that fall somewhere in-between.

Were you ever privy to a situation where some thought a dear one who was not performing well in their current environment would do “so much better” in a different setup? Was there always a satisfying resolution?

Eretz Yisroel is a giant 6,000 mile leap of society, culture and independence. Some go built on the successes of their past, and the fact that this is what they require to continue their growth. Some go because others are going, and let’s face it, it is trendy to do so. Others go for a change of scenery, and the hope that the individual will develop and perform “so much better,” over there. May I suggest that these three categories’ are each magnified 6,000 times by this leap to Israel.

I cannot nor will not predict the eventual outcome of these- and other categories’- of those who go to nurture growth in Eretz Yisorel. Do all who go with the best intentions- those who are solidly ready and require the specialty- find success? No, but most do. Do all who go on the venture that the sun will shine more brightly for them there than at any time prior in their relatively young life, find that special glow? No, but some can. Overall, however, as time has proven over, and over during the last two decades of children going to Eretz Yisroel for prolonged periods of stay, magic doesn’t happen for everybody. Those parents that are nervous and frightened at the prospect of their child flying out, have every reason to be so, as they know their child best. Those parents that are bursting with pride have every reason to be so as well.

Torah is timeless. So are its teachings. Habo L’Tahar, Mesayon Oso. So is true of the converse. All in all, B’Derech She’Odom Rotzeh Laiylech, Moleichin Oso.

Is there a point to an internet Asifa for “American Boys in Eretz Yisroel?” You know your child. Is there? What is he doing there? Be honest! Many if not most are using their time diligently, studying Hashem’s Torah to their greatest potential. After all, isn’t that why he went? Perhaps however, there are some that require this Asifa- after all, not all children are sent to Eretz Yisroel for the same reasons, or reach the same outcome of success.

Yet we, should not judge the entire generation of those spending time in Artzainu HaKodesh through our own biased lenses.

I personally spent a few years learning in a warm, caring Yeshiva were the atmosphere was perfectly ideal to nurture a Bochur with a Rotzon. Was I cognizant of areas A Yeshiva Bocher should not venture? Yes- of course- but it made absolutely no difference- as I never ventured there anyways. Did others? Perhaps, but not in my circles. I personally have a hard time believing that youngsters go to Eretz Yisroel and spend time away from Yeshiva. I understand that it is a reality though.

It seems that others have a very real first person perspective of all that is wrong and bad being so independent and away from home. Like in any situation, this is part of a life experience, and does not necessarily mean that it is true concerning others. It is a reality that many do what is supposed to be done, and what is expected of them. One must believe in that reality.